Talking about Charles II is a bit like watching it—the more time and patience you exercise, the richer it becomes. Rufus takes what is arguably one of the most maligned British monarchs of the last 500 years and fills him with humanity and empathy then reminds us why the Victorians were so fascinated by this colorful king.  

Charles was an intelligent and resourceful man who spent his formative years in exile either hiding in Belgium or running from the mob that would later embrace him. He had a love of science and all things mechanical, and a genuine interest in seeing the life of his subjects bettered. He believed that he governed by the will of the people and as such went to his deathbed as a Protestant king only confessing in his very last breaths to his Catholic god.  

One of the loveliest things about Rufus portrayal is the contrast of Charles public and private faces—something so frequently overlooked in these types of docudramas you may not have even realized that you missed it. Private Charles is a doting father, a generous friend and an indulgent lover. He is incapable of putting aside his queen even when it becomes apparent that she will bear him no heir and his relationship with her, at least in this drama, goes well beyond affection despite his seemingly endless string of women. That Charles could be ruthless, cold and intolerant are facts of historical review. From Rufus each of these moments takes on a different perspective as we see Charles wrestle with decisions of state that will paint him the public monster but ultimately serve the will of his people.  

The miniseries spans nearly all of Charles adult life and Rufus’ adept portrayal sweeps along the tumult as he moves from exile to king and then on into middle age where youthful exuberance gives way to governance and prosperity. A compassionate look at a man who may well have been ahead of his time, this mini is well worth the effort taken to absorb its 233 minutes in the uncut version.  

There are some remarkable performances by Ian McDiarmid, Shirley Henderson, Rupert Graves and Helen McCrory, but most remarkable is Rufus himself who breathes life into what might have easily been another historical figure. Watch each part as closely together as you are able and you will come away feeling the you’ve shared a lifetime in the court of Charles II. This one is a do not miss for fans of Rufus. It's the starting point for some of the most brilliant characterizations of his career to date.